Best attractions and places to see around Bicton include a variety of natural and man-made features along the River Exe and its estuary. The area offers extensive trails suitable for walking and cycling, providing views of the river and coastline. It is characterized by its estuarine environments, which support diverse wildlife and offer opportunities for outdoor activities. Historic canals and nature reserves contribute to the region's appeal for exploration.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Look out for an entrance onto a footpath on your right, which follows beside the railway tracks on your left, and the exe estuary on your right. The path is too narrow for cycling but great for walking and running.
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Beautiful walk and perfect opportunity to see wildlife
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If you plan ahead, or if you are lucky, you can walk along the beach around Orcombe point when it is low tide. And from down here you are given a different perspective of the red cliffs of the jurrasic coast. The red sandstone cliif tower above you and boulders lay strewn across the beach from landslides in decades gone by. Continue walking the beach, being wedged between the sea and cliffs, but with plenty of space not to scare you, until you reach the slope up to Sandy bay park. Lots of refreshments await you, and the firework sound of gun fire, on a day when the troops test their rifles.
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check the tide. If it's low you can walk back along the. beach. Nice cliffs with plenty of caves and boulders to explore and scramble over.
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Devon, England that marks the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The Geoneedle represents the rock types found along the Jurassic Coast. It was commissioned from artist Michael Fairfax and unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 2002.
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Orcombe Point is a coastal feature near Exmouth, The two beaches are part of a long strip of sand and are connected to each other below Orcombe Point at low tide. Sited high upon the hill, Orcombe Point is marked by the "Geoneedle", which was unveiled by Prince Charles, in 2002. The Geoneedle is constructed from a variety of different stones, representing both the major building stones to be found on the Jurassic Coast and the sequence of rocks that form this part of the coastline.
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With over 120 species of bird recorded on the site, the River Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is the perfect place for bird watching. The estuary covers around 33 hectares and is a designated site of Special Scientific Interest. The Otter Estuary has an intertidal habitat of mudflats and saltmarshes, making it an ideal home for a number of fish, birds and other marine life. If you have a keen eye, you can often spot things such as mud shrimps and a host of wading birds like the Ringed Plover, Curlew, Black tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and Brent Goose. Occasionally, you’ll find rarer birds including avocet and glossy ibis. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll spot something new depending on the birds migratory habits, so every trip is a unique experience. As well as birds, the estuary is a great place for spotting otters and is home to England’s first population of native wild beavers. Around ten years ago, beavers reappeared on the River Otter and now there is a happy and healthy colony of beavers living at the estuary. While visiting, be sure to follow these guidelines: Be considerate of other users, make way when paths are narrow and be quiet and respectful when exploring Take all your litter with you Do not approach any wildlife Keep dogs under control, especially around other people and wildlife Always bag and bin dog waste Cycling is not permitted Watersports are only for the beach, not the estuary to protect wildlife, so please launch any boards or paddles from the beach. Only use the designated areas for BBQs and picnics
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Nice flat cycle path. But gets VERY busy with 2 wheeled, 2 legged and 4 legged visitors in the summer months. Watch how you go.
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Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk section offer traffic-free paths for cycling and walking. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is great for birdwatching, and Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle provide scenic views and beach access, all of which are popular with families.
You'll find a variety of walking trails. The Exe Estuary Trail is a well-surfaced, traffic-free path ideal for walkers. For easy hikes, consider routes like the Otter Valley Walk. You can explore more options in the Easy hikes around Bicton guide or the broader Hiking around Bicton guide.
Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk is specifically noted as being accessible for wheelchairs, offering views of the estuary on a predominantly off-road path.
The area is excellent for cycling. The Exe Estuary Trail is a popular traffic-free route, and its boardwalk section is part of the 36 km route around the estuary. The Exeter Ship Canal also has a flat path alongside it suitable for cyclists. For more routes, check the Road Cycling Routes around Bicton guide.
The Exeter Ship Canal is a significant historical site, being the first canal built in Britain since Roman times and the first in England to use the pound lock. It has a rich history dating back to the 1560s.
The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is a prime location for wildlife observation, especially birdwatching. It supports a significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders like redshank, curlew, and red-breasted merganser, and breeding reed warbler, sedge warbler, and reed bunting.
Yes, Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle offer spectacular views, marking the westernmost point of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk section also provide fantastic views along the River Exe.
The area's natural beauty, particularly along the estuaries and coast, can be enjoyed year-round. Autumn is particularly good for walks to experience seasonal changes. For birdwatching at the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, winter is ideal for seeing wildfowl and waders.
While popular trails like the Exe Estuary can get busy, especially on weekends, exploring some of the smaller, easy hiking routes listed in the Easy hikes around Bicton guide might offer a quieter experience. Early mornings or weekdays are generally less crowded on any trail.
The region is rich in natural features, including the estuaries of the River Exe and River Otter, coastal areas like Orcombe Point, and the marshes of the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve. These areas offer diverse landscapes from riverbanks to beaches and significant geological formations.
Visitors frequently appreciate the well-surfaced, traffic-free paths of the Exe Estuary Trail, making it ideal for various activities. The historical significance of the Exeter Ship Canal and the abundant birdlife at the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve are also highly valued. The scenic views and geological importance of Orcombe Point are also popular.


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